Model:Samples, Elektron’s new entry-level groove box, is a really fun piece of kit that serves as a perfect gateway into making beats on Elektron’s iconic samplers.
This year, Splice partnered with Elektron to provide sounds for Model:Samples, a compact instrument that delivers massive sounds using Elektron’s classic sample manipulation technology.
I got the chance to try it out at NAMM 2019, but I wasn’t able to get my hands on one to learn how to use it until about a week ago. I was blown away by the device’s marriage of power and simplicity, especially with the dedicated knob design. In this video, I’ll show that it’s easy to start making beats on the Model:Samples by demonstrating three different ways to create patterns: sequencing, recording, and pitching.
I’m definitely still not an expert with Model:Samples, but Elektron’s dedication to simple design with this device made it easy to pick up and get a nice sound from. Tweaking the decay knob to get snappy drums is fun and intuitive, and the pads feel satisfying and responsive for playing detailed patterns. There’s even a hint of Elektron’s signature distortion processing, manifested in the Vol+Dist knob that adds some pleasant analog heat to the device’s onboard samples.
Overall, this machine is a great addition to Elektron’s product lineup, especially for newer users who have heard about Elektron’s gear but haven’t gotten the chance to pick something up yet. Lastly, I’d like to shout out Cuckoo for their longer-form Model:Samples video, which you should definitely check out if you’re interested in diving deeper.
June 25, 2019
